POINTLESS EFFORTS

DON'T TRY TO IMPRESS GOD

I am inspired by our Jewel in His Crown journey by Priscilla Shirer!  Particularly our last chapter, "An Emerald called Grace"!  This journey truly speaks to all women and I am blessed and honored to lead this series.  (Get the book and the journal) 

Most Christians today feel that they are good in themselves, and that they pride themselves on how perfect and upright they are.  They brag on how better they are than others or how they don't do this or that like so and so reminding us of the Publican and the sinner.  

However, in Titus 3: 3 says, "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another."

It is the acknowledgement of that the kindness of God came to us through Jesus Christ.  It is not by our righteousness.  For our righteousness is as filthy rags before Him.  It is by His mercy, love and abundant grace which He freely gave through the shed blood of Jesus Christ! 

So....  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  (Titus 3:7)  How do you see grace? What does it mean to you?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)    

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Not of works, lest any man should boast    

If you see it any other way or by any other means you are saying that Christ died in vain.  It is pointless - you will never achieve righteousness any other way.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A CANDIDATE FOR GRACE

You are candidate for grace on the onset of your birth.  You are a candidate for grace if you feel that you are abandoned, messed up, unworthy or see yourself in Titus 3:3. However, God's grace came in time not only to save you but to allow you to experience His love and abundant life in the now. 

As a candidate of grace you cannot frustrate the grace of God or take it for granted. You must see its significant and true meaning.  You must give grace your full attention, and acknowledge the essence and truth about it.   Paul was a good candidate for grace, and he did not take it lightly.  Here's what he says...

Ephesians 3:8(KJV)

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 

Many because they know his resume' may say, he is not qualified and his record does not mirror holiness, but because of his acceptance and understanding that he is a sinner and a product of the grace of God -  his mess became a message.  He was able to write the many epistles so you and I can read today.  What about you?

• Are you in need of His grace?
• Do you see yourself as a candidate of grace?
• Are you allowing grace to show you your weakness and God's ability to save?
• Are you frustrating the grace of God by works or your own righteousness?

Remember, God's grace is freely given and it is not of works.  Quit trying to impress God with your good deeds. Understand that it is through the mercies and kindness of God through Jesus Christ you have redemption and can live and walk holy.  Today, appreciate, embrace God's grace.  Accept His invitation to receive His grace.    You cannot have it any other way- not by working for it, buying it, earning it or thinking about it. Not even because you are lucky, pretty, wealthy or worthy but because of Jesus!  If you have it any other way, Christ would have died in vain.  Grace came when you were helpless, and it is necessary for survival - You can't afford to live without it.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel